Abstract: A thermal protector has superiority in current responsiveness or thermal responsiveness with a simple configuration that does not need a separate manufacturing step of incorporating a resistor. At a stage of press processing for cutting from an original material, a movable plate body part 16 of a movable plate 4 is partitioned into a narrow-width part 17 and a wide-width part 18 by a slim hole 19. The movable plate 4 is assembled to a fixed conductor 2 with columns 9 of an insulator 3, a bimetal 5 is assembled to the movable plate 4, the entire configuration is pressed down by a resinous block 6, and the entire fixing part is fixed by melting tips of the columns 9. The wide-width part 18 serves as a normal movable plate, whereas the narrow-width part 17 serves as a conductor in a normal state and as a resistor against an overcurrent.

Abstract: A temperature-dependent switch (10) has a housing (11), on which a first and a second external connection (17, 18) are arranged, and a temperature-dependent switching mechanism (33, 29) , which is arranged in the housing (11) and makes an electrically conductive connection between the first and the second external connection (17, 18) as a function of its temperature, wherein the switching mechanism (33, 29) has a spring part (33), which is electrically connected at its first end (37) to an external connection (17) and is fitted at its second end (36) with a moving contact part (32) which interacts with the second external connection (18), and a bimetallic part (29) which electrically disconnects the moving contact part (32) from the second external connection (18) as a function of its temperature. The housing (11) is closed on its upper side by an electrically conductive cover part (12) which is directly connected to the first external connection (17).

Abstract: Various embodiments include a thermal protector, including the rear end of a movable plate fixed to one end of a resin base and a pair of terminals for connection with an external circuit fixed to the other end thereof. Fixed contacts are formed on the fixed portions of the terminals, and the movable contact of the movable plate is disposed opposed to the fixed contacts. A bimetal element engaged with the center of the movable plate is set to project upward at normal temperature, thus bringing the movable contact into pressure contact with the fixed contacts with prescribed contact pressure. The bimetal element consists of an inversion area wherein the inversion area has no portion overlapping the conduction path area of load current.

Abstract: A bimetal assembly includes: a heater connected to a movable contact to be provided with power; and a bimetal having one end portion coupled to the heater and disposed to be spaced apart from the heater, wherein the heater includes: a coupling portion coupled to the bimetal; a separation portion spaced apart by a certain distance from the bimetal; and a connection portion connecting the coupling portion and the separation portion, wherein at least one projection is formed to be protruded from the separation portion toward the bimetal.

Abstract: A movable plate 8 is partitioned by a slim hole 23 into a narrow-width part 21 and a wide-width part 22. When a contact is closed as a thermal switch 10, the narrow-width part 21 produces heat with an applied current branched via a first terminal 3 and a second terminal 4, which short-circuits both ends of the current limit resistor, and the heat of a bimetal 9 is retained with a small amount of local heat to self-hold the non-restoration state, so that the current limit resistor is quickly cooled down. When the power supply switch is turned off, the heat produced by the narrow-width part 21 is quickly cooled down to restore the thermal switch 10 in a short time. Also when the power supply is again turned on in a short time, the current limit resistor is made to function efficiently.

Abstract: A switching device has an input terminal and an output terminal for connection to electrical conductors, and two switching contacts which, when closed, close a current path between the input terminal and the output terminal. An overcurrent trigger device which includes a bimetallic element heated by an electric current flow is provided for disconnecting the two switching contacts. A thermal insulator is arranged in the attachment region of the bimetallic element for reducing heat transfer from the bimetallic element as well as for increasing the accuracy and the degree of reproducibility for triggering the switching device. The switching device can be implemented as a circuit breaker.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thermostat comprising: a case; first and second fixed terminals passing through the bottom surface of the case and protruding to the outside; first and second fixed contact points connected to the first and second fixed terminals and installed within the case; a bimetal having a support hole at a central portion thereof and having a first movable contact point contactable with the first fixed contact point and a second movable contact point contactable with the second fixed contact point, the bimetal having a reversible curve; a fixed plate fixing the bimetal to the case and from which an adjustor supporting a central portion of the bimetal protrudes; a fixing means for fixing the bimetal to a central portion of the fixed plate; and a cover covering the top surface of the case.

Abstract: A temperature-dependent switch (10) has a housing (11), on which a first and a second external connection (17, 18) are arranged, and a temperature-dependent switching mechanism (33, 29), which is arranged in the housing (11) and makes an electrically conductive connection between the first and the second external connection (17, 18) as a function of its temperature, wherein the switching mechanism (33, 29) has a spring part (33), which is electrically connected at its first end (37) to an external connection (17) and is fitted at its second end (36) with a moving contact part (32) which interacts with the second external connection (18), and a bimetallic part (29) which electrically disconnects the moving contact part (32) from the second external connection (18) as a function of its temperature. The housing (11) is closed on its upper side by an electrically conductive cover part (12) which is directly connected to the first external connection (17).

Abstract: The rear end of a movable plate is fixed to one end of a resin base and a pair of terminals for connection with an external circuit is fixed to the other end thereof. Fixed contacts are formed on the fixed portions of the terminals, and the movable contact of the movable plate is disposed opposed to the fixed contacts. A bimetal element engaged with the center of the movable plate is set to project upward at normal temperature, thus bringing the movable contact into pressure contact with the fixed contacts with prescribed contact pressure. The bimetal element consists of an inversion area which has no portion overlapping the conduction path area of load current, in a disposition space inside a housing, of the thermal protector, it is not affected by Joule's heat from the conduction path.

Abstract: A switching device has an input terminal and an output terminal for connection to electrical conductors, and two switching contacts which, when closed, close a current path between the input terminal and the output terminal. An overcurrent trigger device which includes a bimetallic element heated by an electric current flow is provided for disconnecting the two switching contacts. A thermal insulator is arranged in the attachment region of the bimetallic element for reducing heat transfer from the bimetallic element as well as for increasing the accuracy and the degree of reproducibility for triggering the switching device. The switching device can be implemented as a circuit breaker.

Abstract: A motor protector (10) is shown having an elongated generally cup-shaped metallic housing (12) formed by a top wall (12a) and a side wall (12b) extending down from the perimeter of the top walls, the free end of which is welded to a header (14). The side and top wall have a rounded junction (12c) and a calibration rill (12e) is formed in the top wall from one end of the housing and through the rounded junction. An elongated thermostatic disc (16) is mounted in the housing and has a movable electrical contact (20) mounted at one end to be movable into and out of engagement with a stationary electrical contact (34) that is in turn mounted on a heater (26). A ceramic insulator plate (32) is interposed between the heater and the header.

Abstract: A protective device fitted to an electromagnetic coil to prevent damage to a thermal protective switch installed in the electromagnetic coil beneath the winding. In a preferred embodiment there is a subsequent encapsulation process following manufacture of the coil. Preferably, said device comprises a protective cap shaped to conform with the shape of the thermal switch and closely fitting the thermal switch and wiring connected thereto.

Abstract: A switch has a temperature-dependent switching mechanism with a stationary contact element; a movable contact element coacting with the stationary contact element; and a bimetallic element, having a predetermined functional service life, that as a function of its temperature lifts the movable contact element away from the stationary contact element, the two contact elements being, in one switch position, in contact with one another in order to carry a current that is to be guided through the switch, and in a second switch position, lifted away from one another so that the switch is open. The two contact elements are arranged and coordinated with one another in such a way that when the functional service life of the bimetallic element is reached, the switching mechanism is welded in the second switch position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermally controlled, electrical switching device 1, which displays a bimetal element 2, an adjustment apparatus 3, and a switch-contact apparatus 6, which, on the one hand, can be adjusted by means of the bimetal element, and on the other hand, with respect to its switching point, works in conjunction with the adjustment apparatus 3. The fixed end 7 of the bimetal element 2, a fastening end 8 of the switch-contact apparatus 6, a support element 9 for the adjustment apparatus 3, and connection contact lugs 10, 11 are arranged on a carrier device 12. In order to improves the switching device 1 with respect to its mechanical characteristics and with respect to the necessary individual parts, the carrier device 12 consists of a single-piece holding block 13, formed of insulating material, with a number of essentially parallel-running reception slots 14, into which can be inserted the individual parts held by the carrier device 12, i.e.

Abstract: A switch has an insulating support on which a first and a second external terminal are arranged, and a temperature-dependent switching mechanism that, as a function of its temperature, makes between the first and the second external terminal an electrically conductive connection for an electrical current to be conveyed through the switch, and having a switching member that changes its geometric shape in temperature-dependent fashion between a closed position and an open position and in its closed position carries the current, and an actuating member that is connected electrically and mechanically in series with the switching member. The first external terminal is connected to a planar cover electrode, to which the actuating member is fastened with its first end and on whose inner side is arranged a flat series resistor that is electrically connected between the first external terminal and the first end of the actuating member.

Abstract: A switch (10′) has one first and at least one second external terminal (11, 14) as well as a temperature-dependent switching mechanism (19) that makes, as a function of its temperature, an electrically conductive connection between the two external terminals (11, 14) for an electrical current to be conducted through the switch. The switching mechanism (19) has a switching member (22) which changes its geometrical shape between a closed position and an open position as a function of temperature and, in its closed position, carries the current flowing through the switch (10′). The switching mechanism (19) further has a spring element (21) which is permanently connected electrically and mechanically in series with the switching member (22). When a given safety temperature is exceeded for the first time, a safety element (37) keeps the switch in its open condition, irrespective of its subsequent temperature.

Abstract: A switch comprises a first and a second external terminal as well as a temperature-dependent switching mechanism that creates, as a function of its temperature, an electrically conductive connection between the two external terminals for an electrical current to be conducted through the switch. The switching mechanism comprises a switching member which changes its geometrical shape between a closed position and an open position as a function of temperature and, in its closed position, carries the current flowing through the switch. The switching mechanism further comprises a spring element which is permanently connected electrically and mechanically in series with the switching member. The displacing force of the spring element is substantially temperature-independent, the switching member having a temperature-dependent displacing force which, in its creep phase, is greater than the displacing force of the spring element.

Abstract: A thermally actuatable auxiliary switch (10, 10', 100) used with a refrigerator compressor system (60) has a generally U-shaped bimetallic element (12) mounted at one end on a base plate (16, 16', 102) and with a movable contact (28) mounted on the high expansion side (12a) of the bimetallic element in alignment with a stationary contact (32) mounted on a stationary contact support (18, 18', 116). A thermal generator (34) in the form of a PTC pill (36) wire-wound resistor (28), or other electrically energizable heater or in the form of a discharge tube (60e) of a compressor, provides heat to the bimetallic element (12) causing it to deflect after the solid state starter (50) has switched to its high resistance state to switch out the solid state starter while the compressor motor remains energized.

Abstract: A thermostat, having a seal structure, prevents contact of a resilient plate with an inner side of the housing, even if an extremely great current flows through the resislient plate. The thermostat has a bulging portion at an inner side of the housing to which the bimetal plate contacts, before the resilient plate contacts to an inner portion of the housing.

Abstract: The purpose of the invention is to make it possible to adjust the heating rate inside the thermostat independently from the characteristics of the resilient plate in a thermostat, and to reduce the contamination inside the thermostat caused by particles.A fixing member is fabricated by folding a sheet of metal with at least a couple of holes having different diameters, so that the holes are aligned to each other, and the fixing member is configured so that the larger diameter part of the hole is far from the bimetal, the fixing member is penetrated by protrusions in the fixed plate, and the top of the protrusion is melted to spread in the larger diameter part.

Abstract: A thermostatic switch construction including a housing having a switch arm mounted for movement inside. A bi-metallic disk is mounted in the housing and movable in response to temperature change with snap action between two positions of stability. A switch arm actuating plunger is slidably mounted in the housing with its lower end adapted for contact with the bi-metallic snap disk. A bi-metallic disk mounting assembly is provided in which the disk is mounted. The disk housing serves to isolate the bi-metallic disk from contact with any part of the switch housing. The bi-metallic disk housing assembly is comprised of an aluminum platform member and an aluminum cup-shaped cup member mounted thereon to provide an enclosed space in which the bi-metallic snap disk is mounted.

Abstract: A one-piece resilient switchblade includes contacts on its opposite end portions. A mounting arm extends transversely of the switchblade and is attached to a switchcase under bending stress for biasing the switchblade against a fulcrum. The mounting arm twists and the switchblade bows under influence of the force acting on the switchblade through the fulcrum. A movable bumper changes the fulcrum point to reverse the twist in the mounting arm and the bow in the switchblade.

Abstract: A starting aid for high pressure sodium vapor lamps eliminates the need to mechanically connect an ignition wire to the lamp frame. The starting aid employs an ignition wire which is slidably clipped directly to the arc tube at one end and which is connected to a bi-metallic switch at the other end. The bi-metallic switch is mechanically and electrically connected to one power lead of the arc tube.

Abstract: A bimetallic disc assembly for a bimetallic disc-actuated thermostatic switch includes a disc retainer, a bimetallic disc received in assembled position on the disc retainer and a metallic retainer cap for retaining the disc in assembled position on the disc retainer and for securing the assembly to the body portion of the thermostatic switch. The disc retainer is adapted to minimize heat flow from the metallic cap to the disc retainer by minimizing the areas of contact between the disc retainer and the cap. The disc retainer is integrally formed from a ceramic material and it includes a central hub having an axial bore extending therethrough, a circular flange extending radially outwardly from the hub, a circular shoulder extending upwardly from the flange, and a peripheral rim extending upwardly from the shoulder. The peripheral rim includes a horizontal edge with a plurality of circumferentially spaced projections or bumps which extend upwardly therefrom.

Abstract: a temperature switch is disclosed which has a bimetal disc being inversely deformed between a concave shape and a convex shape according to a temperature change. A bottom portion including the outer periphery of a casing of the temperature switch is in a plane shape. At an inner position of the outer periphery of the bottom portion, a protruding line for supporting an outer peripheral portion of the disc is formed. When the temperature switch is used in such a way that the outer surface of the bottom portion is in contact with a test subject, since heat is transferred from both iner and outer side walls of the protruding line to the disc, the delay of thermal transfer can be reduced.

Abstract: A thermostat having a cup for housing a bimetal blade. A flange extends from the top edge of the cup which receives an insulating layer and cover material on its top surface. The cover is then folded around and under the flange, simultaneously folding the insulating layer, and then crimped. The added layers of material, which previously extended beyond the depth of the cup can now be essentially equal to the extent of the cup's depth, providing substantially no additional thickness to the overall thermostat.

Abstract: An electrical circuit breaker has an insulative rigid base on which a circuit breaker assembly is mounted. The base has two long sides with grooves extending the full lengths thereof. A metal cover is crimped onto the base at and along the full lengths of the grooves.

Abstract: A high limit thermostat for gas furnace applications is shown having a molded base plate and an elongated housing formed integrally with the base plate which mounts a thermostat at a free end of the housing in order to be positioned within an air stream of a heat exchanger to sense temperature conditions of the air stream. An extended version is shown in which one end of a pair of elongated terminals are received in slots formed in the housing with the thermostat mounted on the opposites ends of the elongated terminals.

Abstract: A thermostatic switch comprised of a casing having fastened therein a beryllium plate, which is connected to a first conductor, and a contact plate, which is connected to a second conductor, a cap attached to said casing at the top, which has a ceramic rod movably fastened therein and controlled by a bimetal element to press on said beryllium plate or release therefrom causing said beryllium plate to connect said contact plate forming into a closed circuit or disconnect therefrom forming into an opened circuit, a fastening plate secured to said cap by a top cover for fastening the thermostatic switch to a heating unit to be controlled. The beryllium plate has a raised portion engaged in a hole on the first conductor and then fastened together to the casing by a rivet. The contact plate is integrally made on the second conductor and fastened to the casing by a rivet.

Abstract: A high limit thermostat for gas furnace applications is shown having a molded base plate and an elongated housing formed integrally with the base plate which mounts a thermostat at a free end of the housing in order to be positioned within an air stream of a heat exchanger to sense temperature conditions of the air stream.

Abstract: A thermally responsive switch includes an elliptic dome-shaped receptacle, a support conductively secured at one of two ends to an inner surface of one of two ends of the receptacle in the direction of its length, a bimetallic thermally responsive element secured at one end to the other end of the support with the other end opposite to an inner surface of the other end of the receptacle in the direction of its length with a predetermined space interposed therebetween, the thermally responsive element carrying a movable contact on the other end, and a metallic lid secured to the open end of the receptacle so as to hermetically close the open end of the receptacle. The lid has a through-hole through which a terminal pin is disposed with an electrically insulative material charged in the through-hole. Alternatively, two terminal pins may be disposed through two through-holes respectively.

Abstract: A circuit breaker is provided with a first conductive plate fixed with a bimetal attached with a moving contact, a second conductive plate attached with a fixed contact and an insulator lying between base parts of the both conductive plates and fixed by bending either base part of said both conductive plates around said insulator. It is possible to facilitate the automatic assembly without adopting the insert molding process even when miniaturized.

Abstract: A snap-action thermostatic switch, having a bimetallic member with a snap-action formed section bearing against a calibration dimple, has an insulative coating provided on the calibration dimple to prevent current flow through the dimple which could disrupt switch operation or cause damage to the bimetallic member.

Abstract: A thermostatic switch has a pair of contact strips separated by an insulative separator, with the separator and strips placed within a recess in a stacking block. The separator has a central portion and laterally extending tabs at the ends thereof, and reliefs formed at each inner corner formed by the junction of the central portion with a tab, such that the edges of the stacking block do not cause a stress concentration at the inner corners, avoiding breakage and current leakage through the separator.

Abstract: A temperature switch assembly which includes a bimetal element inserted into a holder body and secured in place by a mating shell is presented. The holder body is constructed so that it may be screwed into existing bore holes of the vessel or engine. The bimetal element is formed with tangs on its base so that expansion and contraction effects due to temperature changes are compensated thus ensuring calibration of temperature switch over prolonged usage. The mating shell includes a switch contact. When the bimetal element reaches a predetermined temperature, the bimetal element makes contact with the switch contact and completes the circuit. The circuit is connected to a warning device which is actuated when the circuit is completed.

Abstract: A disc assembly for a bimetallic disc-actuated thermostatic switch is adapted to minimize response time. The switch includes a disc assembly comprising a disc retainer, and a bimetallic disc and a cap on the disc retainer. The disc retainer includes a central hub portion, a plurality of fingers which radiate outwardly from the hub portion, a plurality of disc retainer projections on the fingers adjacent the terminal ends thereof and a plurality of disc support shoulders on the fingers adjacent the disc retainer projections thereon. The fingers have open notches therebetween for reducing the cross sectional area of the material available in the disc retainer for conducting heat from the bimetallic disc to the body portion of a thermostatic switch on which the disc assembly is installed.

Abstract: A thermostat assembly includes a spring washer interposed between a switch case and a bimetal disc for biasing such disc into firm engagement with the disc housing to enhance heat transfer and dampen bouncing of the disc.

Abstract: An electrical circuit breaker comprises a base with two terminals embedded in, and extending through, the base. The external plug-in portions of the terminals are centered on the base. The internal portions of the terminals are off to one side in order to accommodate a PMB bimetal mounted on said internal portions. A cover secured to the base encloses the PMB bimetal.

Abstract: A three phase hermetic protector for electrical apparatus has a pair of terminals extending through a header with first and second elongated heaters mounted on the terminals and extending away from the header. A rigid support is attached to the header between the terminals and extends away from the header and mounts a third elongated heater extending back toward the header. A snap acting disc is cantilever mounted on the free end of the third heater and mounts thereon a pair of movable contacts adapted to move into and out of the engagement with stationary contacts mounted at the free ends of the first and second heaters. The rigid support mounts a calibration screw beneath the free end of each of the first and second heaters to independently adjust the vertical position of the stationary contacts.

Abstract: In the manufacture of a circuit breaker comprising a cover having a snap action blade attached thereto, with a movable contact mounted on the snap action blade, the optimum position of the movable contact with respect to a preselected locus is first determined and the movable contact is adjusted to the optimum position prior to closure of the circuit breaker. The optimum position prevents frying of the circuit breaker during operation.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved means of connecting the end of a bimetal blade, from which the bimetal flexes, to a planar member of a thermostatic switch. The bimetal blade, in response to temperature changes of the ambient, flexes to alternately establish circuit closed and open conditions of the switch. In a preferred embodiment, the planar member is a contact strip that overlies the basewall of a non-conducting case. The attachment provided by the present invention increases the cyclical life expectancy of the bimetal blade by locating a preloaded weld button against the one attached end of the bimetal blade in a press fit wherein a pressure, exerted by the weld button, prevents movement of the bimetal blade. A weld penetrates the planar member, the bimetal blade and the weld button to prevent relaxation of the pressure. In the connection of the present invention, the blade is held in place essentially by the pressure exerted by the weld button rather than by the weld itself.

Abstract: Snap action thermostat has a housing molded onto two flat terminals to form a cavity wherein inner portions of the terminals are exposed. A contact arm is welded to the inner portion of one terminal, a dished bistable bimetal element is placed loosely in the cavity, and a fulcrum plate is provided thereover to bias the bimetal element against the contact arm in one of the stable positions to close the circuit. A mounting plate fixed to the housing provides a heat sink to ensure prompt temperature response.

Abstract: A thermostat comprises a generally circular supporting frame; a disk mounted on the frame movable between two stable positions in response to changes in the temperature of the disk, a pin slidable mounted in the frame for movement in response to movement of the disk between the two stable positions; an electrical contact switch including at least one movable contact responsive to slidable movement of the pin for opening and closing the contact switch; and spacers between the frame and the disk for reducing transfer of heat by conduction from the disk to the frame for increasing the thermal response of the thermostat.

Abstract: In a snap disc thermostat, a stationary contact support, a moveable contact support, an actuator translated by the disc and a case housing those elements, interior side walls of the case have guide channels outboard of the stationary and moveable contact supports. The actuator has a part substantially circular in section, extending within the guide channels, and a spherical part abutting the moveable contact support. The case has a closed top through which two contact terminals extend, and an open bottom through which the housed elements can be mounted. The open bottom is closed by an imperforate disc. The case has projections integral with the case, extending beyond the rest of the open bottom to center and retain the disc. A disc closure has recessed seats deeper than the projections, receiving the projections without bottoming, a flat surface within the compass of the seats, engaging the disc, and surfaces defining a plane outboard of the seats against which the disc closure abuts.

Abstract: A thermally responsive electric switch has an open ended, cup shaped, thermally and electrically conductive housing containing a thermostatic disc. A base of electrically insulative material, mounting a stationary contact arm, is received in the open end of the housing and captures an end of a movable contact arm between the base and the housing. The movable contact arm extends through a window in the stationary contact arm and has an opposite end disposed adjacent to the outer periphery of the disc and is adapted to be moved by the disc when it snaps from an unactuated to an actuated configuration to thereby control switch actuation.

Abstract: A resettable, current-responsive, circuit interrupter device has two wide but thin terminals embedded up to a substantial part of their thickness in a side wall of an insulating housing so that sides of the embedded terminal portions are exposed from the housing material along the side wall inside the housing. Terminal ends extend from the bottom of the housing to be connected in a circuit and extend through the top of the housing to be accessible for test purposes. An electrical contact is mounted on the exposed side surface of one embedded terminal portion and a thermostatic strip element is secured to the exposed side surface of the other embedded terminal portion to extend closely along the one housing side to normally engage the contact in a very compact, closed circuit position of the device. A lid overlies the thermostatic strip element.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in a preferred embodiment, a thermostatic switch having a bimetal blade connected, at one end, to a terminal arm by means of a fastener. In accordance with the present invention, a weld electrically connects the one end of the blade to the terminal arm. The weld is located so that the fastener is located between the weld and a central, flexing portion of the bimetal blade. As a result of the placement of the weld and the fastener, weakening of the central flexing portion of the blade does not occur as is the case of a prior art connection in which the blade is welded to terminal arm.

Abstract: A bimetallic disc-actuated thermostatic switch comprising a switching assembly including a housing containing fixed and movable contacts and a cap and disc assembly on the switching assembly for moving the contacts between engaged and disengaged positions. The cap and disc assembly includes a bimetallic disc, a support disc for supporting the bimetallic disc on the housing, and a retainer cap for retaining the bimetallic disc on the support disc. The cap has at least one air circulation opening therethrough, and the support disc is formed so that air from the exterior of the cap can pass through the air circulation opening and across the underside of the bimetallic disc to provide increased responsiveness to ambient conditions.

Abstract: A device for mounting a thermal overload protector to the motor of a hermetic refrigeration compressor. The overload protector is temperature responsive and is operative to protectively interrupt the current to the motor when the stator windings, rotor, or other heat source in the compressor overheats due to a compressor overload. The protector's mounting device is a plastic receptacle having a shield connected by an integral hinge. The hinge not only facilitates manufacturing the receptacle as a unitary part by an injection molding process, but also enables the shield to be opened for inserting the overload protector into the receptacle. The overload protector is held firmly in place by a U-shaped bracket integrally disposed inside the receptacle. A U-shaped groove runs along the inner edge of the bracket and is designed to slidingly engage protectors of various shapes. The receptacle includes an opening on one side of the protector opposite the heat retaining shield.

Abstract: A thermal switch utilizes a bimetallic element which has first and second layers which each have a length greater than the width thereof. The bimetallic element operates a switching contact and is mounted in free floating relationship within a housing.